S. D. Smith (1) (1977–)

This book is such a gem.
The poignant, touching moments like when in his frustration Picket shuts out those who want to help him and hurts his sister in the process--
"I hope so," Heather said, swallowing a sob. "It's like I've lost him too. I've lost all my family."
--are masterfully balanced with action and humor, which is why this series appeals to a wide audience.
The scenes themselves are detailed enough to create a picture in the readers mind without getting bogged down with show more superfluous descriptions. I especially loved how one rabbit was said to be "smiling like he was put on the earth for the purpose of smiling."
And the reasons behind why characters behave the way they do are valid and reasonable. There's no drama, no stereotypical characters doing something just for the sake of doing it. There's a meaning to everything, and that's what makes the characters real and relatable.

But most of all, I loved how loyal the siblings were to each other, how they gave up what they wanted in order to benefit and look out for the best interests of each other. The fact that this is so rare in modern fiction makes it so much more exciting to see.
This book appeals to adults, children, and everyone in between. I gave it to five guys of various ages who all enjoyed it, and I think this book has no age limit. show less

Sometimes, I’m in the mood for a different kind of read. When I was looking through my Kindle a while ago, I spotted The Green Ember, and remembered that other people I follow online had mentioned that they enjoyed the story. So I decided to read it aloud to my siblings, even though fantasy is not generally the genre of choice around our house!

What a fun story! Different, too. I’m really glad that rabbits don’t go around carrying swords—that seems a tad dangerous to me! But in this show more book, it’s a fun twist to your otherwise “normal” story. I’m not big on talking animals, but Heather and Picket somehow managed to grab my heart anyway, and we get on well now.

Some parts tended to drag—I enjoyed the description of Cloud Mountain, but I didn’t understand why that was important to know when we were told about it. The adventure part felt like it was right at the start and then had some at the end with something of a slow middle (although I loved the description of Helmer and the task he’d set himself!), but overall, it wasn’t the most fast-paced story ever. In saying that, I think it would appeal to a variety of ages, as long as you don’t mind having some violence in the stories you read. I enjoyed the book, despite a few quibbles in its direction. A recommended story, if you or your children like the fantasy genre! show less

How on earth could a story about rabbits be so gripping?! It’s earnest and heartfelt, and full of the high ideals that make these stories so good - loyalty, betrayal, surprise revelations, and so many hard choices. I like that there are mistakes made and that the characters have to decide what to do with the consequences - get stuck and wallow in self-pity, or move on and make the most of the position that you’re in?
This series so far seems to strike a balance between Narnia (ok for show more younger kids) and Wingfeathers (better for older kids, especially as the series progresses). I’d say 9-11 would be a good age, depending on the kid. show less

What a glorious story! Each Green Ember book has gotten steadily better in its storytelling and pacing, and its world has grown both vaster and more richly layered. I enjoyed the earlier books, but Ember Rising is truly an achievement.

One of my favorite aspects of this book, and really the series as a whole, is that small, weak, and seemingly marginal rabbits have their heroic roles to play as well—not just the frontline soldiers, kings, and princesses. Everyone is called to their show more “little work,” as Emma wisely says, which has its part among all the thousands of others in the great Story.

And so many interesting characters, both male and female! Harmony, Heyna, wonderful Helmer. WEEZIE. So many backstories I’d love to see explored in future novellas. ;)

The violence in this book is grimmer, and there are more chilling moments (perhaps for adult readers even more than for children). But the tender moments ring truer as well.

And the ending...!

The next installment can’t come quickly enough. And I do hope it won’t be the last. show less